A Study to Analyse the Knowledge Level of Women Beneficiaries of Anganwadi Centres (AWC) Regarding Nutrition in District Budgam of Kashmir Region

Mother is a main caretaker of their children particularly during the first three to six years of life when they are at the risk of being undernourished. How well she takes care of her children to keep them healthy will depend upon the level of her knowledge regarding childcare and nutrition and various associated factors. As such this study was planned to assess and enhance the extent of knowledge among women beneficiaries of ICDS (Integrated child development Service Scheme) centers of district Budgam of Kashmir region. With an intension to surpass and facilitate the knowledge of women beneficiaries this study was taken up with a sample of 600 registered women beneficiaries of AWCs (Anganwadi centers) out of which 150 were nursing mothers, (NM) 150 were pregnant women (PW) and 300 were mothers of child beneficiaries (MCB having children in the age group 6 months-3years. The tool used for assessing the knowledge level was a self-devised rating scale designed to measure the nutritional knowledge related to importance of different kinds (variety) of foods for adequate/ optimal growth and development of a child. Further, in order to divide the levels of nutritional knowledge as, low, medium and high, Quartiles were calculated. In this way the mothers having low level of knowledge (Q1) those who scored up to 4, medium (Q2) whereas, sample women who scored between 5-6 and high level of knowledge (Q3) scored as ≥ 7.The statements were so arranged that a positive answer was specified under score of 1, whereas, a negative statement was granted a score of 0 . The scores of positive responses were summed up and the level of knowledge of women beneficiaries was ascertained, a statistically significant variation is observed in levels of nutritional knowledge as per educational qualification and income group among the respondents. It is also seen that respondents from block B.K.Pora and Nagam blocks are having high level of nutritional knowledge in comparison to block Budgam and Chadoora. Among the groups, MCB are having higher level of knowledge in comparison to NM and PW. No significant variation in the levels of nutritional knowledge is seen as per age. It is quite obvious from the study that education of mothers is directly related to knowledge. Educated mother are more knowledgeable than functionally literate mothers.